COPD decisions — 2013

The Board has determined that the Veteran's respiratory disability, diagnosed as bronchiectasis and COPD, is at least in part attributable to his in-service chemical exposure. Therefore, service connection for this condition is granted.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for a Board video conference hearing as requested. The issues of service connection for left foot disability and respiratory disability, including COPD due to asbestos exposure, are still under consideration.

The Board denied service connection for COPD and diabetes mellitus as there was no evidence of these conditions during or within one year after service, and the Veteran did not provide competent medical evidence linking his current conditions to service.

The Board has granted service connection for the Veteran's COPD, finding that it is at least as likely as not aggravated by his in-service asbestos exposure.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a respiratory disorder, including as due to asbestos exposure, is being remanded for further development and an updated opinion regarding the etiology of his current diagnosed asthma and COPD.

The Veteran's claim for payment or reimbursement of unauthorized medical expenses incurred at a non-VA medical facility on December 26, 2011 was denied because he had coverage from a health-plan contract (Medicare Part A) that paid for the emergency treatment.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a respiratory disability, including bronchitis, COPD, and emphysema. The case is being remanded to obtain additional medical records and arrange for an examination to determine the nature and likely etiology of any current respiratory disabilities.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's COPD is not service-connected due to its being caused by his tobacco use, which occurred both during and after service. As a result of this finding, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development due to missing VA treatment records and the need to obtain any private treatment or evaluation records.

The Veteran's death was caused by complications of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and Alzheimer's dementia, both not service-connected. The cause of death is therefore denied.

The Veteran's lung disability was not caused by VA medical treatment in December 2003, and thus he is denied compensation under 38 U.S.C.A. § 1151 for a lung disability due to VA medical treatment.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records from Huntington VAMC. The Veteran's claim of service connection for a lung condition is pending and will be reviewed after the requested development.

The VA determined that the Veteran's COPD is not related to his service, including any potential asbestos exposure during service. The claim for service connection was denied.

The Veteran seeks service connection for a respiratory disability, including emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pneumonia. The Board has ordered additional development to address the etiology of these conditions.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for various conditions, including PTSD and COPD, related to herbicide exposure during service are denied.

The Board has determined that the VA examiner's opinion is incomplete and needs to be supplemented with additional x-rays and a review of Dr. D.A.S.'s September 2008 medical report.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to his failure to appear for a scheduled videoconference hearing. The case will be returned to the Board after appropriate action.

The Board has remanded the case due to insufficient development of records and potential need for an addendum medical opinion.

The cause of the Veteran's death was not related to his service or any service-connected disability.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining medical records and providing the Veteran with a VA examination to determine the nature and etiology of his hepatitis C. Additionally, the RO must issue a statement of the case addressing all five issues listed in the June 2009 rating decision.